Review of the Sony Mocopi body tracker featuring the enhanced accuracy and updated application.

I review Sony’s Mocopi standalone body tracking system updated with optional focus areas for greater accuracy.

Sony’s Mocopi makes it possible to animate a VRChat avatar to match my body movements. The result is similar to strapping HTC’s new Ultimate trackers or Tundra trackers on your legs and torso, but HTC’s new trackers only work with HTC headsets like the Vive XR Elite, and Tundra requires base stations.

As a standalone solution, Mocopi works well with the Meta Quest 3, Quest 2, and Quest Pro when using the native VRChat app to hang out with friends and meet new people in virtual worlds. Instead of simulated motion, your avatar comes to life with movements more like your own.

If VRChat was available on PSVR 2 headset, Sony might add support for Mocopi trackers. At the moment, that’s not an option.

Sony Mocopi review in a nutshell

The installation process for Mocopi trackers is fast and simple. The recent update of the app enhances the accuracy of Quest tracking and introduces the ability to use VRChat through SteamVR on a Windows PC. By purchasing this all-in-one solution for $449, you can effortlessly sync your avatar’s movements with your phone, including your arms, legs, head, and hips.

Are you looking for a versatile and user-friendly VR headset that meets all your needs?

Are you looking for versatile and high-performance VR headsets?

What’s included?

Sony Mocopi is a set of six small trackers, five with straps, and one with a clip. The clip attaches to my waistband, and I strap the other trackers to my head, arms, and legs. The new update lets me choose a few different configurations. I’ll cover that below.

Sony Mocopi includes six motion trackers and a charging case. | Image: MIXED

The Mocopi mobile app connects to the trackers and sends positioning data to my Quest headset to update my VRChat avatar with a matching pose. The pose refreshes up to 60 times each second, so movement is captured with reasonably good fidelity.

Sony provides a charging case, however, you will require a charger and USB-C cable to recharge the battery of the Mocopi trackers after approximately 10 hours of usage. The app assists you in setting up and utilizing the trackers with your VR headset.

I have discovered a method to connect the Mocopi head tracker with my Quest Pro headset.

The straps provided are suitable for the head, wrist, and ankles. However, if you wish to attach a Mocopi tracker on your chest and thighs using the new features, longer hook and loop straps will be required. I managed to create a setup where the head tracker is positioned on the rear of my Quest Pro headset.

New Sony Mocopi features

If you are already acquainted with the functionality of Mocopi, the latest app update introduces intriguing new capabilities. Apart from the pre-set tracker positions, you now have the ability to select alternative configurations that enhance accuracy for either the lower or upper body. Additionally, by installing a SlimeVR server on your computer, you can even access an option for PC VR.

I opted for enhanced accuracy in tracking the lower body by placing the wrist trackers on my knees. This modification made by Sony is a commendable recognition that the majority of VR users hold controllers, rendering wrist tracking unnecessary. By relocating these redundant trackers to the knees, the tracking of leg movements has significantly improved. I am now able to perform lunges, squats, cross my legs, and strike different poses with my avatar in a more precise manner.

In lower body focus, Mocopi detects leg position with greater accuracy.

If I select upper body emphasis, the ankle trackers are used to monitor my upper arms instead. It is crucial to have a more natural movement of the arms and elbows while sitting at a desk or if leg movement is limited. Personally, I enjoy standing and exploring the incredible VRChat worlds.

The PC VR option is similar to using MoSlime, but without all the hassle. You can use a normal SlimeVR server running on a Windows PC. MoSlime requires a Raspberry Pi board that runs Linux, as explained in YouTuber ThrillSeeker’s video. Unless you’re familiar with maker builds, it’s a lot to learn to get Mocopi working well on PC VR.

Busting a move in VRChat with Sony Mocopi body tracking.

With Mocopi’s app set to PC VR, you place the wrist trackers on the thighs and the head tracker on the chest. This moves the redundant head tracker away from your VR headset to your chest. I feel like Sony should offer a similar feature for standalone users. I don’t use VRChat on my computer, but having another tracking point with my Quest headset should improve accuracy further.

Sony has uploaded a video on YouTube showcasing the outcomes of PC virtual reality.

The New Mocopi app

The latest update for the Mocopi app was released on January 18, 2024. To experience these new features, please ensure that you update your mobile app. Once you open the app, tap on the three dots located at the upper right corner and then select “Enable advanced features.”

Sony Mocopi tracker arrangement options.

As you navigate through the setup screens, the app will provide you with choices to select the desired tracking type. The default tracking option is most suitable for capturing AR videos using a 2D avatar on your phone. For VRChat, it is recommended to opt for the new upper or lower body focus options.

I don’t dedicate a lot of time to VRChat, but I can assert that Sony’s Mocopi would enhance my feeling of being present. In a future where metaverse is prevalent, incorporating body tracking as a common feature would greatly contribute to a more authentic social experience with friends. Nevertheless, individuals manage to communicate effectively despite the existing constraints.

The ability to use Mocopi to record videos with avatars in an AR overlay with only a phone is a nice added feature. For developers, being able to save motion capture data with Sony’s inexpensive system could reduce costs greatly. Overall, Mocopi is a great value for anyone who needs lightweight and portable body tracking capabilities.